Design Your Own Scarf – Part 3: How to Decrease Knitting with K2tog and SSK

Get quick and easy step by step instructions on how to decrease your knitting with the knit two together and the slip slip knit!

Introduction
Welcome to the fascinating art of how to decrease in knitting, a crucial skill for any aspiring knitter. In this guide, we focus on two fundamental techniques: knit two together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK), essential for creating the elegant, tapered edges in this scarf pattern. After all, it wouldn’t be a Knitty pattern without a little flair.

First: Changing Colors
I know, I know. “I thought this was about decreasing!” It is, I promise! But first, you want to make sure your scarf is going to be fabulous, right? Obviously, yes. So before you get too into learning how to decrease your knitting, you may want to review how to change colors. It’ll help make the rest of the scarf going significantly smoother.

Detailed Steps for K2tog
1. Insert the Right Needle: Firstly, Insert your right needle into the next two stitches on your left needle as if to knit.
2. Wrap the Yarn: Then, wrap the yarn around your right needle in a standard knit stitch motion.
3. Pull Through: After that, gently pull the yarn through both stitches, creating a single new stitch on your right needle.
4. Slide Off: Lastly, slide the original two stitches off your left needle, leaving the new stitch on your right needle.

Tips for Perfecting K2tog Stitches
1. Maintain even tension in order to avoid tight stitches.
2. Practice on a swatch before applying to your scarf.

Detailed Steps for SSK
1. Slip Stitches: Firstly, slip the next two stitches one at a time as if to knit, from your left needle to your right needle.
2. Insert Left Needle: After that, insert your left needle into the front loops of these slipped stitches.
3. Knit Through: Then, wrap the yarn around your right needle and knit through both stitches.
4. Complete the Stitch: Finally, slide the stitches off your left needle, completing the SSK.

Tips for Smoothing Out Your SSK Stitches
1. Be gentle when slipping stitches to avoid distorting them.
2. Practice SSK separately from your scarf in order to get comfortable with the motion.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
There you have it! Surprisingly, that’s all there is to decreasing in knitting. Of course, those aren’t the only kinds of decreases, but they are two of the most common. I hope this has helped cleared up any questions you may have on how to decrease your knitting.

FAQ
What if my decreases look uneven?
Practice is key. Also, ensure you’re not pulling the yarn too tightly.
Can I use these techniques in circular knitting?
Absolutely! Both K2tog and SSK are versatile and can be used in various knitting projects.
I’m new to knitting. Is K2tog difficult to learn?
Not at all! K2tog is a fundamental technique that is quite straightforward. With my step-by-step guide, you’ll pick it up in no time.
Can I use these techniques for other knitting projects besides scarves?
Absolutely! K2tog and SSK are versatile techniques applicable to various knitting projects, from hats to sweaters.
How can I ensure my decreases look even and neat?
Practice is key! Also, pay attention to tension and follow our tips for mastering even decreases to achieve a professional look.
Are there any specific yarn types best suited for these decreasing techniques?
While you can use most yarns, smooth, medium-weight yarns are ideal for beginners as they make it easier to see and work the stitches.